Make Your Own Candles in Five Easy Steps – Environmentally-Safe Container Candles
Making your own candles is a simple process and cansave you lots of money. Plus, you can choose just the scents and colors you want. And, by using the right materials you can have environmentally friendly candles as well!
Step 1 – Select and Purchase Materials
You will need to check into your suppliers a little to see if they are reputable. You will need:
oSoy Wax
oCotton or Hemp cored Wick – Your source will have a size chart
oNatural oils for scent
oFood-safe coloring
oContainers – Think about reusing them to improve the reuse cycle.
o A Heat Source – Your stove or an inexpensive hot plate is fine
oA Double Broiler – A deep pan and coffee cans work great. This way you can keep a separate can for each combination.
oA Candy Thermometer
Step 2 – Preparing the Materials
oMeasure the bottom of each container and place a dot at the exact middle on the inside bottom. Centering the wick is critical for an even burn.
oMake a small split in the center of a piece of masking tape and place the wick through the split. Stick the tape to the center bottomof the container.
oPull the wick up above the top of the container and wrap around a pencil. Lay the pencil across the top of the container. This holds the wick in the center.
oMeasure out the wax, scent and colorant
oAlways keep a fire extinguisher handy!
Step 3 – Melting the Wax
oPlace the wax in the top of the double boiler and heat the water to just below boiling. Wax has a low flash point and can catch fire if not watched carefully. Donot let water get into the wax!
oAllow the wax to reach 160 degrees F. Keep a close eye on the temperature!
Step 4 – Adding Scent and Colorant
oWhen the wax reaches 160 degrees, add scent and/or colorant. A rule of thumb is to add one ounce of oil per pound of wax, but strength varies greatly. Ask for assistance when you buy your supplies. Just add colorant until you like the color, or follow directions on the colorant.
oMix slowly with a wooden spoon. Allow the wax to cool to 140 degrees F.
Step 5 – Pouring and Cooling
oPour the wax into the container. Be careful and pour slowly without splashing. Be sure the wick is still centered.
oAllow to cool.
oIf you have problems with the wax pulling away from the wick or forming a hole you can place the candle on a candle warmer until it just melts. High quality wax will help minimize this problem.
With just a little consideration and care, following these few easy steps can allow you to become a candle maker in no time.
Ella Smart is a world class party planner and world traveler who loves to use the ideas she picks up in her travels to plan magnificent parties on a shoe string. Ella found her love for making candles when she realized how much money she could save making them herself! Check out her web site, http://www.esmartycandlemaking.info . She also sells a great collection of natural soy candles at http://www.edensgrocery.com/candles.
Get a Unique Version of this Article Article Marketing
Processing your request, Please wait....
